[April
30, 2014]SPRINGFIELD — Illinois
Department of Public Health Director LaMar Hasbrouck is urging
parents to talk with their child's doctor about the new
school-entrance vaccination requirements, and to make sure their
child's immunizations are up-to-date. April 26-May 3 marks the 20th
anniversary of National Infant Immunization Week, an annual
observance to highlight the importance of protecting infants from
vaccine-preventable diseases.

"While some vaccine-preventable diseases are relatively rare in the
U.S., they are only a plane ride away. Such diseases can be brought
into the country by travelers, putting unvaccinated children at
risk," said Dr. Hasbrouck. "National Infant Immunization Week is a
reminder to parents to make sure their children are up-to-date on
immunizations. Immunization is a shared responsibility. Families,
health care professionals and public health officials must work
together to help protect the entire community."

One example of the
seriousness of vaccine-preventable diseases is the current mumps
outbreak in central Illinois. Preliminary numbers show that more
than 65 cases have been reported so far this year, compared with
approximately 26 all of last year and 32 in 2012. While the majority
of cases in this outbreak are in adults, unvaccinated children and
children not fully vaccinated could be at an increased risk of
illness.

To help prevent illness and outbreaks due to vaccine-preventable
diseases, Illinois is implementing new immunization requirements for
the 2014-2015 school year. Beginning next year, children entering
school at any grade level, kindergarten through 12, need to show
proof of having received two doses each — instead of just one — of
rubella and mumps vaccines. In addition, any child entering
kindergarten, sixth grade or ninth grade for the first time must
show proof of having received two doses of varicella vaccine for
chickenpox.